FRIDAY, SEPT 30They Might Be Giants finally released its new album, Join Us, after a four-year hiatus from the adult alternative scene. During that time off, the band released two children’s music albums; the genre is fitting for the New York City-based band, whose musical style tends to be unadulterated, feel-good rock. They Might Be Giants’ songs have unambiguous words that get straight to the point with consistently bright instrumentals. The lyrics often have heavy sentiments masked in major keys, causing them to stay sunny even when they’re, at their core, exceptionally cloudy. The band’s most recent album is a good example, with the accusatory song “When Will You Die,” which is an upbeat tune about a sociopath. They Might Be Giants performs at 8 p.m. Friday, September 30th, at Theater Of The Living Arts; tickets for the all-ages show are $27. —Caitlyn Grabenstein

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
Philly-based quartet Far-Out Fangtooth celebrates the release of its debut album, Pure And Disinterested this Saturday night at Kung Fu Necktie. Though the album has been available via Siltbreeze Records (and Far-Out Fangtooth’s Bandcamp) for less than a week, the band has already established itself as one to watch in the area, thanks to its esoteric take on goth-chic and emphasis of better-than-you garage fuzz noise. After the release of its first 7-inch—which featured the droney tracks “Pathways” and “Why Don’t You Cry”—last year, the band has kept busy performing and recording its full-length debut. The result is a slightly more polished 11-track disc, emphasizing clearer percussion and guitar over the vague, foggy delirium that characterized the band’s earlier sound. Far-Out Fangtooth performs with Creepoid, Swimmers Ear, and The Trowels at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, October 1st, at Kung Fu Necktie; tickets to the 21+ show are $8.—Marielle Mondon

Today marks the official release of Far-Out Fangtooth’s debut LP, Pure And Disinterested, on Siltbreeze Records. The 11-song LP—which you can stream for free via Bandcamp until the record-release show Saturday, October 1st, at Kung Fu Necktie—follows up on the local rock quartet’s first 7-inch, which came out in August 2010. Back then, we noted:

“They dress in all black. The wear sunglasses at night. And they make a point of telling you how disinterested they are. Yup, the members of local garage-goth quartet Far-Out Fangtooth have that whole detached thing pretty much down pat. Fitting, then, that the two lo-fi tracks on the band’s debut 7-inch (released earlier this year on Ian Records) are dripping with reverb and droning vocals; if the band was trying to impart a sense of distance, it has certainly succeeded.”

Well, as far as titles go, you can’t get much more disinterested than Pure And Disinterested. But the album itself is significantly more compelling than its predecessor. That might have something to do with Far-Out Fangtooth’s decision to dial the reverb down a little bit, allowing the punchy drums and fuzzed-out guitars to shine through the ambient haze the band usually ensconces itself in. You can listen to the album (and watch the video for “Red Hawk Desert”) below. Far-Out Fangtooth performs with Creepoid, Swimmers Ear, and The Trowels at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, October 1st, at Kung Fu Necktie; tickets to the 21+ show are $8.

The Spooks & Far-Out Fangtooth Heading Out on a Midwest and Southern U.S. Tour “Local music pals The Spooks and Far-Out Fangtooth are hitting the road together as they make their way down and through SXSW. They’ll be starting the tour this Wednesday night when they invade Cleveland, OH. It’s a 20+ show tour that will take the bands through the Midwest and the South. You can check out the rest of their schedule as well as purchase tickets here. And if you have any friends in those cities, tell them to come out and party Philly style! (Vomiting is optional, but highly recommended to avoid alcohol poisoning.)” (nyc.thedelimagazine.com)

Plenty Tough, Union Made “Rock and roll renaissance man Jon Langford sang the Waco Brothers’ ‘Plenty Tough – Union Made’ at a We Are Wisconsin rally in Madison, Wisc. on Saturday, protesting Gov. Scott Walker’s attempt to crackdown on labor union’s collective bargaining rights. (No, not that Scott Walker. This Scott Walker.) A couple of weeks back, Langford put on a typically tremendous show at the North Star Bar. Next week, he’ll be all over SXSW in Austin, Texas.” (philly.com)

7 Ways Most Non-Famous Musicians Make a Living “When we think about what it means to make a living as a musician many people still conjure up ideas of selling plastic discs and endlessly touring the country. Well, that’s perhaps how things work at the top, but what about near the middle? Suzanne Lainson of BrandsPlusMusic has written a short overview of the more traditional ways that musicians make money and the paradox of taking such sources of income.” (Hypebot.com)

They dress in all black. The wear sunglasses at night. And they make a point of telling you how disinterested they are. Yup, the members of local garage-goth quartet Far-Out Fangtooth have that whole detached thing pretty much down pat. Fitting, then, that the two lo-fi tracks on the band’s debut 7-inch (released earlier this year on Ian Records) are dripping with reverb and droning vocals; if the band was trying to impart a sense of distance, it has certainly succeeded. In fact, while listening to “Pathways,” it’s easy to imagine the band simply dropping their instruments midway through the song, walking out of the studio, and moping through the streets of Philadelphia on a moonless, starless night. Because, you know, they’re just so dark, man. Far-Out Fangtooth performs with Gondola, Fan Tan, and Acid Kicks at 9 p.m. at Silk City; tickets to the show are $7.

Far Out Fangtooth | photo by Adam Wallacavage | courtesy of the artist

Gloomy Philly rock outfit Far Out Fangtooth spent four years channeling goth, glam, and gritty punk rock before disbanding in the wake of their second LP, 2013’s Borrowed Time.

In the years since, bandmates have been active to varying degrees; Jo Kusy is exceptionally prolific as a solo artist as well as a member of garage rock bruisers The Whips, while Nick Kulp did a stint in Creepoid before founding his coldwave solo project Lunacy. Continue reading →

As part of its Record Store Day festivities, Repo Records hosted a special gathering which included a performance by Philly goth punks Far Out Fangtooth. The technical quality may be a bit fuzzy but you can still feel their resounding energy as they tear through the intense track and leave you wanting them to rock your basement and spook out the neighbors. If the latter doesn’t work out, you can still catch them live at two of their upcoming local shows: May 13th at Boot and Saddle (supporting Amen Dunes; tickets here) and May 14th at The ICA Siltbreeze Closing Ceremony (info here). Check out the video below via Kyle Garvey (of The Interest Group).

Colin Meloy, lead singer of The Decemberists, brings his solo tour to the Keswick Theatre tonight. The Portland, OR musician will be sharing new songs alongside tracks from his extensive catalog during the tour. He’s also supporting a new cover EP called Colin Meloy Sings The Kinks, which he discussed in an interview with The Key earlier this week. Tickets and information for the all-ages solo show can be found here. Below, listen to Meloy covering “Sister I’m a Poet” from his previous Morrissey cover EP.

XPN welcomes Matt Nathanson to the Electric Factory tonight. The poppy singer-songwriter is touring in support of a new album called Last of the Great Pretenders, released in July on Vanguard Records. Tonight, Nathanson will be joined by Joshua Radin. Tickets and information can be found here. Below, watch the video for Last of the Great Pretenders‘ first single “Mission Bells.”

Local psychedelic rockers Far-Out Fangtooth celebrate the release of Borrowed Time tonight at Boot & Saddle. It’s the second full-length LP for the two year old band, put out via legendary cult label Siltbreeze. In an interview with The Key earlier this week, the band explained the root of their dark and gothy sound, in addition to detailing how Far-Out Fangtooth came together. Tickets and information for tonight’s 21+ show can be found here. Watch their new video for “Beyond Your Bones” below.

We’re used to hearing dark Philly garage rock outfit Far-Out Fangtooth drifting in fuzztone distortion and murky reverb, so the clarity in this new track is unexpected – and pretty darn cool. Premiered over at Pitchfork this morning, “Mother Nature Fetish” is bright and melodic as the same time as it’s dense and assailing; Nick Kulp still sounds like he’s singing from inside a cave, but he’s closer to the world above than ever. The song will be featured on their new LP, Borrowed Time – out on October 29th via Siltbreeze Records – and the band’s Philly release show is set for November 2nd at Boot and Saddle. Though it’s not listed on the venue’s calendar yet, Kulp tells us the bill will also feature LODRO, Harsh Vibes and a solo set from Lantern’s Zachary Devereux Fairbrother. Check out “Mother Nature Fetish” below.

About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH

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About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH